Alumnus Named ‘MOSPRA Administrator of the Year’

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 13, 2010 – The Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA) has selected Southeast Missouri State University alumnus Dr. Terry Adams, superintendent of the Wentzville R-IV School District, as its MOSPRA Administrator of the Year.

Each year, MOSPRA presents its annual Awards of Distinction, recognizing individuals who make significant contributions in school public relations throughout the state of Missouri.

“My education from Southeast provided a solid foundation for my career,” Adams said. “The program included a theoretical base, mixed with a great deal of practical experience and common sense. The education program was and is outstanding.”

Adams received a bachelor of science in education degree in 1975, a master of arts in education degree in 1979, and a specialist in education degree in 1984, all from Southeast. He also received a doctor of philosophy degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

“My wife earned her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from Southeast, as well as my daughter who received her bachelor of science degree,” said Adams. “We have a family commitment to Southeast.

According to MOSPRA, Adams was selected for the honor because “he works hard at putting the personal in interpersonal communications. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and other community organizations where he can interact with the public, informing and inspiring. He never misses an opportunity for positive public relations on behalf of the District.”

The “Administrator of the Year” recipient is a school official who does not hold an official public relations position, but has still made a significant contribution to school public relations.

“It is an honor to be recognized in this way. I believe school districts should always put students first, and in Wentzville we try hard to do that every day,” said Adams. “I’ll always be out spreading the good word about the good work we do here, because I feel it is part of my job as superintendent”

In 2008 and then again in January of this year, Adams was the driving force behind the Wentzville School District’s community engagement meetings, Guiding Principals for our Schools (GPS). These meetings provided the community with the opportunity to get important information from administrators, ask questions, and provide input on a variety of topics.

“The fact that Dr. Adams has been recognized by his peers for excellence reinforces the mission of the College of Education to prepare competent, reflective, and caring professionals in the field of education,” said Dr. Margaret Noe, dean of the Southeast Missouri State University College of Education. “We are extremely proud of this recognition of Dr. Adams’ efforts. Being a district superintendent is both a challenging and rewarding experience, especially as administrators must continue to enhance educational opportunities for children with varying abilities and backgrounds despite declining resources. Dr. Adams is an excellent example of a competent, collaborative, and collegial educational leader. We are proud to have him as an alumnus of the college of education at Southeast.”

“It is always good to be recognized by your peers,” said Adams. “That the award comes from the Missouri School Public Relations Association is particularly gratifying. Communicating effectively is increasingly important in school administration.”

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